Get closer to the action as Minifigures talk for the first time in a LEGO game.

Heroes and villains

In LEGO BATMAN 2: DC SUPER HEROES, Gotham City finds itself under threat once more – only this time, Batman and Robin have a whole horde of villains to defeat. Luckily, they don't have to face the baddies alone, as superpowered help is at hand in the form of some of the most exciting heroes in the DC universe.

The action unfolds at Gotham's Man of the Year Awards ceremony, where millionaire playboy (and Batman's alter ego) Bruce Wayne is up against presidential hopeful Lex Luthor in a bid to claim the title. When Wayne takes the trophy, Luthor is not pleased – until the Joker and a crew of fellow crooks storm the theatre, stirring up chaos and planting a nefarious new idea in the power-hungry businessman's brain.

With bad guys including the Riddler, the Penguin and Catwoman ranged against them, Batman and Robin have a super-sized problem on their hands – and what better way to deal with an alliance of evil than by forming your own gang of heroes to thwart it? And therein lies the genius at the core of LEGO BATMAN 2: DC SUPER HEROES - more heroes and more villains make for an adventure that's bigger than Bane's biceps. It's time to get that cape out of the closet...

Block buster

LEGO BATMAN 2: DC SUPER HEROES boasts bold, LEGO brick-built visuals and fluid, cartoon-like animation together with a hilarious, immersive story and brilliant dialogue – and tailors the whole package to make it perfect for portable play.

While all the rapid, riotous combat and head-scratching puzzles of the world-famous LEGO video game series remain, there are also unique new reward levels that allow you to take control of a bunch of Justice League heroes and face off against wave upon wave of malevolent LEGO baddies. All the fun is soundtracked by music from classic DC superhero movies of the past – it's spectacularly thrilling to hear the Superman theme as the Man of Steels soars in to join the adventure – and the cutesy-but-cool cutscenes ensure that the plot never dips below compelling.

The game is also superbly easy to get to grips with. The controls make use of both the PS Vita system's touchscreen and its rear touch pad, and even a newcomer to the LEGO series will have no problems getting stuck straightin. Alongside the humorous, family-friendly storyline and host of colourful characters, the game's accessibility means that it's perfect for all ages.

Get cape, wear cape, fly

LEGO BATMAN 2: DC SUPER HEROES features a huge ensemble cast, allowing you to explore the seamy underbelly of Gotham City in the boots of dozens of your favourite DC characters. Completing levels as Batman and Robin will unlock other characters you've encountered along the way and means you can return to the scenes of past triumphs to swoop around as Superman or speed through as the Flash.

The focus is on fast-paced fun, and the action only pauses for laugh-out-loud cinematic scenes (like Batman taking Robin to task for his hero worship of Superman) and obstacles designed to test your mental mettle.

As you progress, you'll be faced with thorny puzzles that can only be overcome through teamwork or by ramping up your abilities with dazzling power suits, shiny new weapons and the like. The diversity of the levels and colourful, character-packed story are guaranteed to hold your attention, especially when you consider that around every corner, more of Gotham is waiting to unfold - and that means more adventure. There's even the chance to drive the Batmobile and pilot the awesome Batwing: a massive treat for any true Bat-fan.

Dynamic duo

The LEGO BATMAN 2: DC SUPER HEROES adventure is big, bold and brightly coloured from the start – and the game’s two-player co-operative mode sees the excitement soar to stupendous new heights.

Team up with a mate and you can battle the bad guys in true superhero style – roaming the smoky streets of Gotham and slugging it out with crooks while your trusty sidekick watches your back.

Playing co-operatively with a friend nearby on another PS Vita via Ad Hoc Mode sends the fun and frantic action through the roof – and when obstacles block your path, it’s always good to have a buddy on hand to help you overcome them.